By Dayo Oyewo
A musical artist, Owodunni Ibrahim, popularly known as Primeboy, has taken legal action against the Nigeria Police Force, alleging an abuse of his fundamental human rights.
On October 4, 2023, the Lagos State Police Command declared Primeboy wanted after he failed to respond to a police invitation related to the investigation into the death of fellow artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
In a statement to PUNCH Metro, Primeboy’s lawyer, Akinpelu Ogunbona, confirmed that the suit was filed in the Federal High Court located in Ikoyi, Lagos. The lawsuit seeks the removal of Primeboy’s name from the wanted list, among other requests. “Primeboy has filed an originating motion on October 11, asking the court to declare that the police gazette bulletin declaring him wanted violates his right to dignity,” Ogunbona stated.
Following Mohbad’s death on September 12, 2023, Primeboy has been at the center of ongoing controversies. He surrendered to the police within 24 hours of being declared wanted. Mohbad’s passing, which sparked widespread debate on social media, occurred under unclear circumstances.
Previously signed to Marlian Music, owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad left the label in February 2022. On September 18, 2023, a 13-member special investigation team was formed to look into Mohbad’s death, leading to the arrests of Naira Marley and socialite Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry. Mohbad’s body was exhumed on September 21 for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.